Lenses and visor devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

A modified cap for the attachment of eye protective lenses or modified sunglasses via retractable arms movable in several directions can provide quick placement of the sunglasses on the face. The sunglasses which do not need temples can be partially stowed under the cap&#39;s brim or in a recessed compartment in the cap&#39;s brim, either of which may have friction points or magnets set to keep the sunglasses from dropping down. The user can release the sunglasses to position them on the face where they can be held in place by the telescopic arms that extend/retract according to the required placement of the sunglasses determined by the differing head size and facial contours of the wearer. Certain embodiments, therefore, allow the fast placement and removal of sunglasses in an efficient manner by keeping them close to the user&#39;s face in a safe position when not in use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/481,365, filed May 25, 2012,titled “Lenses and Visor Devices, Systems, and Methods,” which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/490,015, filedMay 25, 2011, titled “Sun Protective Eye Lenses Built in toHat/Cap/Visor (“Cap”)” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/545,461, filed Oct. 10, 2011, titled “Sun Protective Eye Lenses Builtin to Hat/Cap/Visor (“Cap”),” the disclosures of each of the foregoingbeing fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A cap, visor, or the like can be provided with movable eyewear, such assun protective lenses. As used herein, the term “cap” can broadly referto any cap, any hat including a full brim, any helmet, or any other typeof head apparel. As used herein, a “brim” can refer to a projection ofmaterial, such as a projection of a material from the bottom of thehat's crown horizontally either in front of the face (assuming the hatis worn in a forward orientation) or all around the circumference of thehat. Sun protective lenses can include those with non-prescriptionlenses, prescription lenses, smart lenses or a combination thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

A cap with a brim can be worn to at least partially shield a wearer'sface from light. Similarly, one may wear sunglasses, while wearing ornot wearing a cap with a brim, to partially shield a wearer's face fromlight.

Many people wear both a cap with a brim and sunglasses; however, it isnot uncommon for such people to find themselves in a place where theyneed not wear the glasses (and they therefore remove them) and thenenter an environment where they need the glasses (and they thereforeplace them back on). As a result, people often repeatedly transitionfrom a need for glasses to a need to remove them. When the glasses areremoved, the user needs to store them somewhere, whether they be restedupon the brim of the cap or hung from the user's shirt or pant-pocket.In any event, it is a nuisance to have to repeatedly transition from aneed for glasses to a need to remove and store the glasses. As a result,those in the art have created caps including glasses that are integratedwith the caps; however, there are numerous shortcomings with existingcombination caps with integral glass wear. There therefore exists a needto create a combination cap with eyewear that overcomes the problems ofthe prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus includes a pair of lenses having a connection between thelenses. The apparatus also includes an elongate visor member having abottom surface. The apparatus further includes a pair of support membersextending from the bottom surface of the elongate visor member to eachof the pair of lenses. The support members are configured to permit thepair of lenses to move from a position approximately coplanar with theelongate visor member to a position approximately orthogonal to theelongate visor member. The support members are configured to permit thepair of lenses to releasably lock into a plurality of designed positionswith respect to the support members.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus is disclosed which includes at least one lens. The apparatusalso includes an elongate visor member having a bottom surface. Theapparatus further includes a support member extending from the bottomsurface of the elongate visor member to the at least one lens. Theapparatus additionally includes a recess configured to receive the atleast one lens. The support member is configured to permit the at leastone lens to releasably lock into a plurality of designed positions withrespect to the support member.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus is disclosed which includes a pair of lenses having aconnection between the lenses. The pair of lenses is configured forcoupling to a pair of provided support members configured respectivelyto extend from the pair of lenses and attach to a bottom surface of aprovided elongate visor member. The support members are configured topermit the pair of lenses to releasably lock into a plurality ofdesigned positions with respect to the support members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made tothe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view, according to certain embodiments,showing a cap and sunglasses positioned on a head and face respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates an underside view of a brim, according to certainembodiments, with sunglasses in a stowed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates an underside view of a brim, having a recess withoutsunglasses, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a cap with movable sunglasses in alowered position, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a cap with sunglasses in a loweredposition, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a movable retractable arm andstud-type attachment point, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the sunglasses and retractable armshowing rotational movement allowable, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates sunglasses with a bendable mid-section, according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates sunglass side attachment point options and ball jointlocation of the retractable arms, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates disassembly of the sunglasses from the cap,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates another retractable arm option encompassing bothtelescopic sections and a pivot hinge, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates, in a first perspective view, details of a furtherretractable arm option together with glasses and a brim, according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates, in a second perspective view, details of a furtherretractable arm option together with glasses and a brim, according tocertain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments are directed to a combined cap and sunglass productthat avoids loss of or damage to the eyewear, while allowing the user tocontinuously wear the cap component of the product, while using the eyeprotection component only when desired and keeping it safe and cleanwhen not in use. While sunglasses are provided in certain embodiments,lenses in other embodiments may have other functionality, such as tocorrect vision, to provide dust protection, to provide eye safety, or toprovide services similar to those provided by a smart phone.

Certain embodiments can include a modified cap, sunglasses, and aretractable arm, alone or in various combinations with one another. Thesunglasses can be attached to a cap brim by moveable retractable armsand ball joints, allowing for varying the position of the sunglassesrelative to the brim and for seating on the bridge of the wearer's nose.The sunglasses can be free to move in the X, Y, and Z directions toallow for different facial contours.

A recessed compartment for the sunglasses can be employed to permit thelenses to be stowed when not in use, although a recessed compartment isnot required. The wearer can pull the sunglasses down towards the nosebridge from the recessed compartment in the brim. The wearer can reversethe movement to stow the sunglasses when they are not required.

The three elements of the system can be the modified sunglasses, the capand the retractable arms. All of these elements can be disconnected toallow for the wearer to match different caps with different sunglassesbased on individual style requirements. Thus, all three elementstogether, in various combinations, as well as each element individuallycan be considered an embodiment of the present invention.

The materials used for each of the three elements can differ. The capcan be made of cloth, nylon, leather, or any other suitable material. Itis not necessary for the cap to be made from a single material.Moreover, the cap can include features like vents or a liner, as well asornamental or other functional features. The brim of the cap can be madefrom harder material, such as board, foam, plastic or any other suitablematerial. The underside of the brim recess can be molded to cater to theshape of sunglasses that are to be received into the recess. The frontview of the sunglasses can be similar in construction to traditionalsports sunglasses. However, the sunglasses may omit side temples.Instead, they may include smaller and shorter retractable arms. Theretractable arms can be made from a plastic-type material, such asresin, metallic materials, such as titanium, brass or the like, or anyother suitable material, such as carbon fiber. The retractable arms canextend and retract to allow for differing distance requirements frombrim to nose bridge.

Certain embodiments can provide the user with the features of both a capand sunglasses that allow for the quick placement of sunglasses on theface together with the quick removal of the same sunglasses into a safestowed position. This design could meet the needs of the eyewear userswho repeatedly puts on and takes off eye protective lenses. Suchactivity is commonplace in sports such as golf, baseball, marksmanship,archery, tennis, fishing, hunting, and the like. The design could alsomeet the needs of the eyewear users who repeatedly put on and take offsmart lenses. Such activity may occur in connection with driving.

Moreover, by omitting temples, users who wish to wear hearing protectionthat covers the whole ear can do so without the temples creating a gapbetween the hearing protection and the user's own temple.

Use of the present invention is not limited to use by sportsparticipants. Indeed, the present invention may be used by anyone in anydesired setting, including without limitation participating in a sport,spectating, relaxing by the pool or on the beach or even for those whowork outside, such as landscapers, contractors, and the like. Certainembodiments can incorporate safety lenses with a hardhat, for example.

The following description describes certain embodiments of the presentinvention and is not intended to be limiting to the invention, asclaimed, in any way. The parts and functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-13and described below can be substituted for one another and can besubstituted by other parts that perform the same or similar functions.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is shown andmay include a modified cap 1, sunglasses 3, and a pair of retractablearms 4. The sunglasses 3, as shown in FIG. 1, do not include traditionalside temples (or side temple arms) that rest upon and/or wrap around theuser's ears. Rather, the protective lenses or sunglasses 3 can be heldto the cap 1 with retractable arms 4 that attach to the brim 2 and thesunglasses 3 at the attachment points 5, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.The sunglasses 3 can be bent according to the brim 2 curvature (assumingthe brim 2 has a curvature) by the flexible nose bridge of thesunglasses, as shown in FIG. 8.

The sunglasses 3 can be positioned in at least two positions. A firstposition is when the sunglasses 3 are stored in the recessed compartment6, as shown in FIG. 2. A second position is when sunglasses 3 arereleased from the stored position to be extended to the optimal comfortpoint position on the bridge of the user's nose, held in place by theretractable arms 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The bridge of the user'snose is one example of a comfort position. Other comfort positions arealso possible. For example, in certain embodiments, a gap between thenose and the glasses may be desired or the glasses may be placed incontact with a portion of the user's forehead or the tip of the nose.These positions and any other desired positions are also permitted. Ingeneral, placement of the sunglasses on the bridge of the nose, as shownin FIG. 1, is an example of the deployed position, also referred to as aposition 2.

Position 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows the sunglasses 3 storedin a recessed compartment 6. In the illustrated position, sunglasses 3are stored in the recessed compartment 6 of the brim 2. The flexibilityof the sunglasses 3, as shown and described with reference to FIG. 8,can permit the sunglasses 3 to conform to the curvature of the brim 2,whether the brim's orientation be flat or curved. A brim 2 of a cap 1may have any one or more of several varying degrees of curvature fromflat at 180 degrees to an arc or a parabolic shape, depending on thestyle of the cap 1 or whether the wearer bends or shapes the brim 2. Therecessed compartment 6 may be constructed by creating a cut-out in theunderside of the brim 2. To that end, if desired, the thickness of thebrim 2 may be the same or thicker or thinner than a typical brimthickness. The recessed compartment 6 may be created in the shape, sizeand depth required to allow the sunglasses 3 to lie flush (oressentially flush) with the balance of the underside of the brim 2,resulting in the sunglasses 3 being either partially hidden orcompletely hidden, depending on the depth of the recess 6 and the stylerequirements of the sunglasses 3.

The cut-out may be constructed in various ways including but not limitedto a foam or a plastic molding process. The top of the brim 2 may lookno different from a regular cap's brim 2, as can be seen in FIG. 1 andFIG. 5. Alternatively, the top of the brim may have a slight protrusionextending upward. For example, the ridge of the brim may have a bump orsimilar protrusion that is itself less in height than the thickness ofthe brim, excluding the protrusion. For example, such a protrusion 1320is illustrated in FIG. 13. The material used to line the recessedcompartment 6 may be similar to that which would typically be found in aprotective glasses case, but is not restricted to such material. Therecessed compartment 6 may have a finger space 8 to assist in thereleasing and pulling down of the sunglasses 3 from the recessedcompartment 6, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The recessed compartment 6 may have a shape that allows the sunglasses 3to fit into the recessed compartment 6 so as to prevent the sunglasses 3from dropping downwards owing to gravity or movement of the wearer'shead. This may be accomplished, for example, by making the shape of therecessed compartment 6 fit around the sunglasses 3 with friction points9, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The friction points 9 can be places aroundthe recessed compartment 6 that are located to be slightly inside of theperimeter of the frame of the sunglasses 3, or of the lenses of thesunglasses 3 in the case of frameless lenses, so as to provide pressureon the sunglasses 3, so they do not fall downward when placed in therecessed compartment 6. The friction points 9 can be made from the samematerial as the cap 1 or may have treatment for additional grip (e.g.,rubberizing or any other suitable gripping technique).

The friction points 9 may also be in the form of a lip 10. The lip 10can provide upward support for the sunglasses 3. The lip 10 can beplaced in a position that best suits the sunglass style and thus may belocated in different positions according to different sunglass stylerequirements owing to differing shapes of different sunglasses. Onepossible position for the lip 10 is at the bottom end of the recessedcompartment 6, which is the side closest to the edge of the brim 2, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

An alternative mechanism for maintaining the sunglasses 3 in therecessed position can rely on the attractive forces of a set of magnets7A and 7B. At least two magnets can be used in this design. A magnet tobe inserted in the brim 2 can be referred to as a brim magnet 7A, asshown in FIG. 3, and one inserted in the bridge of the sunglasses 3 canbe referred to as a bridge magnet 7B, as shown in FIG. 8. The brimmagnet 7A and the bridge magnet 7B may be aligned so as to allow themating surfaces to be parallel when the sunglasses 3 are in the recessedposition. The magnets 7A and 7B may be inserted by recessing a space forthe magnet in order for it to lie flush with a surface of the brim 2 anda surface of the sunglasses 3, respectively. The brim magnet 7A may becovered with the same material as the cap 1 so as to hide the brimmagnet 7A from the naked eye or finger touch. Positioning of the magnetsis not restricted to the midline of the sunglasses 3 and can be locatedon the temple side of the sunglasses 3 or any other desired location. Aneodymium magnet is one example of the kind of magnet that can be used.

The keeping of the sunglasses 3 in the upward position in the recessedcompartment 6 is not restricted to using only one of the above methods,but can incorporate any combination of the above methods. For example,both a friction fit and magnets can be employed in tandem. Moreover, anyother desired holding technique (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) may beemployed by itself or in combination with any of the foregoingtechniques.

As an alternative to having the recessed compartment 6 formed in thebrim 2 of the cap 1, an attachment member (not shown) may be attached tothe brim 2, the attachment member including formed therein the recessedcompartment 6 or any of the foregoing related features (e.g., fingerspace(s) 8, friction point(s) 9, lip(s) 10 or magnets).

Position 2 can refer to the positioning of sunglasses 3 onto the face,as shown in FIG. 5. The sunglasses 3 can be released from the recessedcompartment 6 by hand to overcome holding force from the magneticcoupling or friction point(s) 9 or lip(s) 10, as shown in FIG. 2. Thesunglasses 3, affixed to the retractable arms 4, can have freedom tomove in several directions, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 11. Theretractable arms 4 can allow for varying the distance between the brim 2and the sunglasses 3 owing to its telescopic antenna like design, asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 11. This allows precise placement of thesunglasses 3 to accommodate the different facial contours of differentpeople.

The retractable arms 4 can move forward towards the edge of the brim 2or backward towards the forehead of the wearer. This forward andbackward movement can be accommodated by using respective joints 12A and12B (e.g., ball joints) at the affixing ends of the retractable arms 4,as shown FIG. 9. In lieu of the ball joints, a hinge-type mechanism, anyother desired coupling mechanism or any combination of the foregoing maybe used. Thus, a ball joint on one end of an arm and a hinge on theother end of the arm are possible. Friction control can be incorporatedinto this design. The use of ball joints 12 on both ends of theretractable arms 4 can permit lateral movement, as shown in FIG. 4. Theplacement of the sunglass-side attachment points 11 of the retractablearms 4, as shown in FIG. 9, can depend on a variety of factors,including the style of the sunglasses 3. Sunglass attachment points 11can be located, for example, on the outer side of the sunglasses 3, asshown in FIG. 9, where the temples would normally be connected or on thetop of the frame, as shown in phantom in FIG. 9.

Joints 12A and 12B may be configured with one or more detents that areconfigured to restrain the retractable arms 4 in one or more positions.The joins 12A and 12B may be configured with a ratchet-like mechanism,such as a pair of pads having ridges that form multiply-positionableinterference fits.

Although manual deployment of the sunglasses is described above, otherembodiments can incorporate a mechanism that allows automatic movement(e.g., by an electro-mechanical driver system) from the recessedposition to the extended position by the user activating an actuator toactivate the driving mechanism (not shown). A spring mechanism mayalternatively be implemented.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the cap 1, the sunglasses 3, and the retractableattachment arms 4 separated from each other. The sunglasses 3 can beseparated from the cap 1 with the use of press studs 13, magnets or anyother similar fastening devices at the end of the retractable arms 4, asshown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The other end of the retractable arms 4 canalso be removed from the sunglasses 3, thus separating from one anotherthe sunglasses 3, the retractable arms 4 and the cap 1. Removing theretractable arms 4 from the sunglasses 3 can be undertaken by eitherunscrewing the ball joint 12A from the sunglasses 3, or unclipping theball joint, as shown in FIG. 10.

The ball joint can be attached to the sunglass frame via a screw. If thescrew is loosened, then the ball joint can be removed from the frame.Thus, the extension arms can be removed from the frame, as they areattached to the other end of the ball joint. Further, the working sideof the ball joint may have attachment to the extension arms via anencapsulated cover that encircles the round ball section of the joint.If the joint is separated (the ball separated from its casing), theextension arms can be free, as they are no longer connected to theframe. Thus, the extension arms can be removed from the sunglasses in atleast two ways. First, the ball joint can be unscrewed from the frame,while the actual joint itself is kept intact. Second, the arms can beremoved by opening the ball joint, by pulling off the encapsulated coverthat encircles the ball of the joint. The opening of the joint can be anunclipping process.

An alternative embodiment of the retractable arm 4 is shown in FIG. 11.In this option, a pivot hinge 14 is combined into the retractable arm 4about midway along the length of the retractable arm 4. The pivot hinge14 allows for rotation about the center of the pivot hinge 14. The pivothinge 14 combined with the retractable arm 4 allows for further range ordegrees of motion.

Thus, certain embodiments provide for the use of telescopic-typeretractable arms 4, attached either permanently or in a releasablefashion to the brim 2 of a cap 1. Moreover, certain embodiments providefor the use of a press stud or any other suitable fastening technique toattach the retractable arms 4 to the brim 2 of a cap 1. Likewise,certain embodiments provide for the use of a pivoting and retractablearm system.

Certain embodiments also provide for a recessed compartment in or on thebrim 2 to house the lenses either partially or completely. Certainembodiments also provide for the use of pressure pad(s) and/or extrudinglip(s) or the like to maintain the sunglasses 3 in the recessedposition. Thus, certain embodiments also provide for the non-use of sidearms or temples.

Certain embodiments include a flexible nose piece. Moreover, certainembodiments provide a magnet system or the like to hold the sunglassesto the brim 2 when the sunglasses 3 are not in use. Likewise, certainembodiments provide for press stud or other attachment, permittingremoval of the retractable arms 4 from the cap 1.

According to certain embodiments, an apparatus consistent with suchembodiments can include one lens or a pair of lenses, the pair of lenses(when a pair of lenses is used) having a connection between the lenses.The lenses can be sun-protective lenses, light enhancement lenses, nightvision lenses, eye-protection lenses, such as shatter-proof lenses,prescription lenses, or three-dimensional lenses, such as polarized orcolorized lenses. Any other type of lens can also be used. For example,smart lenses may be used, where the lenses are configured to displayinformation to the user or to process information in a viewable field ofone or more of the lenses. For example, one or more lens may beconfigured to record, read, or otherwise interact with a view of thelens. A processor, battery, transceiver, or other elements for the smartlens(es) may be embedded within the brim or within the frame of thelenses. Other locations for the components are also permitted.

FIG. 12 illustrates, in a first perspective view, details of a furtherretractable arm option together with glasses and a brim, according tocertain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12, brim 2 may be coupled tosunglasses 3 via retractable arms 4, connected at a bottom end by afirst joint 12A and at the top end by a second joint 12B. The secondjoint 12B may be a hinge joint supported by a pin. The brim 2 in thisembodiment may be a lining or insert to a complete brim in a fullyassembled cap, in which, for example, the top of second joint 12B may becovered by a brim cover.

The retractable arms 4 may each have a lower portion with a t-shapedcross-section having protrusion 1220 forming the base of the T. Thiscross-section can be configured to prevent rotation of the retractablearms 4 along their own internal axis, while permitting them to rotateabout the pin of second joint 12B.

The first joint 12A may include, as shown in the detail section, a cover1210, a first set of ridges 1212, and a second set of ridges 1214. Theseridges may interact with other ridges, not shown in this view, to helpthe first joint 12A stay in particular fixed positions until forcefullymoved to another position.

FIG. 13 illustrates, in a second perspective view, details of a furtherretractable arm option together with glasses and a brim, according tocertain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, and similar to FIG. 12, brim 2may be coupled to sunglasses 3 via retractable arms 4, connected at abottom end by a first joint 12A and at the top end by a second joint12B.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first joint 12A may also include a third set ofridges 1216 and a fourth set of ridges 1218. These may be similar to theridges referred to above, which may interact with the first set ofridges 1212 and the second set of ridges 1214 (not shown in this view)to help the first joint 12A ratchet amongst various positions. Thus, thelenses of the glasses 3 can be releasably secured relative to theretractable arms 4.

The first joint 12A may be constructed from a pin 1310 extending fromthe cover 1210 and extending through a first aperture 1312 in theretractable arms 4 and through a second aperture 1314 in the glasses 3.The portion of the pin 1310 extending through the glasses 3 may have aslightly enlarged end, which may secure pin 1310 from retracting throughthe second aperture 1314 and the first aperture 1312.

The lenses can be in the form of one continuous lens or two or morelenses that are connected. The connection between the lenses can includea bridge, a top bar, nose pads, and pad arms. It is not required thatall of these features be included. For example, the connection may be asingle piece of rubber, silicone or other flexible material that isconfigured to bridge between the lenses and sit on a user's nose.

The apparatus can also include an elongate visor member having a bottomsurface. The elongate visor member can be the brim of a cap or the brimof a visor that does not include a cap portion. There is no requirementthat the elongate visor member be a part of a cap, although it can bepart of a cap. The elongate visor member can be in the shape of a billof a cap. Thus, the shape of the elongate visor member can range fromarc or parabolic-shaped to flat.

Embodiments consistent with the present invention can also include apair of support members extending from the bottom surface of theelongate visor member to each of the pair of lenses. The portion of thebottom surface of the elongate visor where the support members extendfrom can be selected to be approximately directly above an expecteddeployed position of the lenses. With respect to the lenses, the supportmembers can be connected near a top corner at or near a place where atemple would otherwise be attached. Alternatively, the support memberscan be attached at a top edge of the lenses, either in the center ofeach lens or near a top bar or bridge for the lenses. In certainembodiments, the two support members can merge into or be replaced by asingle support member located, for example, at a center of a top edgebetween the lenses.

The support members can be configured to permit the pair of lenses tomove from a position approximately coplanar with the elongate visormember to a position approximately orthogonal to the elongate visormember. In other words, if the bottom surface of the elongate visormember is treated as a plane, even if it is parabolic or arc-shaped,then the support members can be configured to permit the pair of lensesto be positioned in approximately the same shape and in approximatelythe same plane as the elongate visor member. For example, the differencefrom the lenses being exactly co-planar with the elongate visor membermay be 20 degrees or less, 10 degrees or less, or even 5 degrees orless. Likewise, the support members can be configured to permit theplane of the lenses to rotate about 90 degrees, plus or minus 20 degreesfrom the approximately co-planar position.

The support members can each be a telescoping member. For example, thesupport members each can include one hollow cylinder with a secondcylinder arranged within the hollow cylinder and configured to slide inan axial direction of the hollow cylinder. Multiple cylinders arrangedin a nested configuration can be used as the telescoping member. Othertelescoping arrangements are also permitted.

The support members can be removably attached to the elongate visormember. For example, the support members can be attached with pressstuds to the elongate visor member. Alternatively, the support memberscan be riveted or glued to the elongate visor member. Moreover and moregenerally, any other attachment mechanism can be employed, whether ornot such attachment mechanism is intended to permit separating thesupport members from the cap and/or the lenses.

The support members can be configured to align approximately in the sameplane as the lenses. For example, the support members can be alignedwithin about 20 degrees of a plane aligned with the lenses. Thus, forexample, the support members can be generally vertical, as illustratedin FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9, and 10. The support members can be configured toattach to the elongate visor member at respective movable joints. Forexample, the support members can be configured to attach to the elongatevisor member at a ball joint, a hinge, or a universal joint. Other kindsof joints are also permitted.

The respective movable joints can be configured to stably hold aposition selected by a user. For example, the joints can be configuredto be resistant to the level of force that the joints experience duringthe motion of the user's head, but can be configured to comply whenpressed more forcefully with a user's fingers. For example, the jointscan be configured to hold multiple positions with a friction grip.

The support members can be configured to attach to the pair of lenses atrespective movable joints. Thus, for example, the point of connectionbetween the support members and the pair of lenses can be a hinge, ajoint, such as a ball joint, or any other suitable connection.

The support members each can include an elbow joint between the elongatevisor member and the pair of lenses. The elbow joint can permit rotationin one axis or in more than one axis. The support members can eachinclude a telescoping member on each side of the respective elbow joint.Alternatively, the support members can be configured with a telescopingmember only on one side of the elbow joint.

Support members can be configured to permit the lenses to rotate apredetermined amount within the degree of coplanarity, to conform withthe curvature of a wearer's face or to the curvature of a brim. Forexample, the support members can be configured to rotate on an internalaxis of the support members, as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, thesupport members 4 themselves can, for example, rotate on an axis thatextends in the lengthwise direction of the support member 4. This maycause the lenses 3 to rotate with the attached support member 4. As aresult, the angle between the lenses 3 may change. The support members 4can be configured to rotate independently of one another, such as inopposite directions to one another, permitting the lenses 3 to bend orflex with respect to one another, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The apparatus can also include at least one restraint configured torestrain the lenses in a position coplanar (or essentially coplanar)with the elongate visor member. For example, the restraint can be amagnet, a friction point, a lip, a button, a snap, a buckle, Velcro, orany combination of these or any other suitable technique.

The connection between the lenses can include a flexible member, asshown in FIG. 8. The flexible member can be configured to be plasticallydeformable within a degree of coplanarity, namely within a predefinedrange. Thus, for example, if the flexible member is bent within a rangeof about 40 degrees, the flexible member can maintain the bent shape.Beyond the degree of coplanarity, such as at a deflection of 50 degrees,the flexible member can behave elastically to restore the bent shape toa deflection within the range of flexibility. A smaller range offlexibility can also be used. The connection can include an engagementmember configured to contact a human nose, such as a bridge or pads.

The apparatus can also include a recess in the elongate visor member. Adepth of the recess can be at least equal to a thickness of the lensesand the recess can be configured to receive the lenses in a direction ofthe thickness. Thus, for example, the lenses can be received so as tocompletely or partially hide the lenses in a front view as well as a topview.

The apparatus can further include a motor configured to move the pair oflenses from the position approximately orthogonal to the elongate visormember to the position approximately coplanar with the elongate visormember. Moreover, the apparatus can additionally include a power supplyconfigured to supply power to the motor. The power supply can be, forexample, a solar panel, which can be located on the top surface of theelongate visor member. The power supply can also be or include abattery. The battery can be located within the elongate visor member.

The apparatus can also include a biasing mechanism, such as a spring,configured to bias the pair of lenses toward the position approximatelyorthogonal to the elongate visor member. For example, the spring can beprovided to help provide a force to push the lenses gently or firmlyagainst the wearer's face. The spring can be selected to be able to beovercome by the force of a user's hand or finger to permit the lenses tobe stored within the brim of the cap.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes at least onelens, such as the lens or lenses described above. The apparatus in thisembodiment also includes an elongate visor member having a bottomsurface, like the elongate visor member described above. Moreover, theapparatus in this embodiment includes a support member, as describedabove, extending from the bottom surface of the elongate visor member tothe at least one lens. Furthermore, the apparatus can include, in thisembodiment, a recess configured to receive the at least one lens.

The recess can be in the brim of a cap itself or in a material appliedto the brim of the cap. A depth of the recess can be at least equal to athickness of the lens and/or a frame surrounding the lens and can beconfigured to receive the lens in a direction of the thickness, asdiscussed above.

An apparatus according to another embodiment can include an elongatevisor member, such as described above. In this embodiment, the elongatevisor member can include a bottom surface having a recess configured toreceive at least one lens. The elongate visor member, in thisembodiment, also includes at least one site configured to permitattachment of the at least one lens to the elongate visor member.

The recess can further include an extraction region configured toprovide access to a lateral edge of the at least one lens. Theextraction region can be sized to extend at least one millimeter but notmore than one inch from the edge of the lens when the lens is stowed. Incertain embodiments, two such extractions regions are provided: one fora right lens and one for a left lens.

An apparatus, according to another embodiment, includes a pair of lenseshaving a connection between the lenses, said pair of lenses configuredfor coupling to a pair of provided support members configuredrespectively to extend from the pair of lenses and attach to a bottomsurface of a provided elongate visor member.

The provided support members can be configured to permit the pair oflenses to move from a position approximately coplanar with the elongatevisor member to a position approximately orthogonal to the elongatevisor member when attached to the elongate visor member. As noted above,“approximately” here can refer to a range of 20 degrees in eitherdirection from planar or orthogonal, 10 degrees in either direction, or5 degrees in either direction, as desired. For example, referring toFIG. 6, the provided support members 4 can permit the pair of lenses 3to move from a horizontal position approximately coplanar with theelongate visor member (not shown) to a vertical position approximatelyorthogonal to the elongate visor member when attached to the elongatevisor member via attachment 13. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the finalposition of the lenses is not precisely 90 degrees from the originalposition, but it is within 20 degrees of that, namely between 90 degreesand 110 degrees from the original horizontal position.

The apparatus can further include a tab extending in a lateral directionfrom a lateral edge of the lenses. This tab can be sized to bemanipulated by a human finger. For example, the tab may extend from onecentimeter to one inch. The tab can be made from an opaque, translucent,or transparent material.

Although the support members have been described in terms of telescopingmembers, other kinds of extendable members are also permitted. Forexample, members that extend using similar principles to blinds, a jack,a screw, or a retractable tape measure are also permitted.

Methods may also be provided according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention. For example, a method can include manipulating a pairof lenses from a first position substantially co-planar with a visormember to a second position substantially orthogonal to the visormember. The method can include increasing the lengths of the supportmembers during the manipulating.

Other methods can include methods of assembling or manufacturing thethree functional elements and the various embodiments described above.For example, a method can include forming a recess in a brim or visorand supplying at least one attachment point for connecting a supportmember for lenses to the brim or visor. The method can include formingthe recess so that the recess is capable of concealing the lenses from afront and a top view. The method can additionally include attaching thesupport members to the brim or visor and attaching the lenses to thesupport members. The steps of the method do not have to be performed inthis order. For example, the lenses can be attached to the supportmembers and the support members and lenses can then be attached to thebrim or visor. The forming of the recess may be omitted. Moreover, thesupport members can be formed including telescope members.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that theinvention, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps in adifferent order and/or with hardware elements in configurations whichare different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although theinvention has been described based upon the disclosed embodiments, itwould be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would beapparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.For example, while the figures illustrate a pair of support members, incertain embodiments, one of the support members may be omitted. In orderto determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, referenceshould be made to the appended claims.

CALL OUT LIST OF ELEMENTS

-   -   1: Cap    -   2: Brim    -   3: Sunglasses    -   4: Retractable arm    -   5: Attachment point (brim side)    -   6: Recessed compartment    -   7A: Brim magnet    -   7B: Bridge magnet    -   8: Finger space    -   9: Friction point    -   10: Lip    -   11: Attachment point (sunglass side)    -   12A: Ball joint (sunglass side)    -   12B: Ball joint (brim side)    -   13: Press stud (magnet or other similar fastening device)    -   14: Pivot hinge    -   1210: Cover    -   1212: First set of ridges    -   1214: Second set of ridges    -   1216: Third set of ridges    -   1218: Fourth set of ridges    -   1220: Protrusion    -   1310: Pin    -   1312: First aperture    -   1314: Second aperture    -   1320: Protrusion

We claim:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a pair of lenses having aconnection between the lenses; an elongate visor member having a bottomsurface; and a pair of support members extending from the bottom surfaceof the elongate visor member to each of the pair of lenses; wherein thesupport members are configured to permit the pair of lenses to move froma position approximately coplanar with the elongate visor member to aposition approximately orthogonal to the elongate visor member andwherein the support members are configured to permit the pair of lensesto releasably lock into a plurality of designed positions with respectto the support members.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supportmembers each comprise a telescoping member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the support members are removably attached to the elongate visormember.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support members areconfigured to align approximately in a same plane as the lenses.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the support members are configured toattach to the elongate visor member at respective movable joints.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the respective movable joints areconfigured to stably hold a position selected by a user.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the support members are configured toattach to the pair of lenses at respective movable joints.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the support members each include an elbowjoint between the ends of the support member.
 9. The apparatus of claim8, wherein the support members each include a telescoping member on eachside of the respective elbow joint.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the support members are configured to rotate a predeterminedamount with respect to internal axes of the support members.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one restraintconfigured to restrain the lenses in a position coplanar with theelongate visor member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein therestraint comprises at least one of a magnet, a friction point, a lip, abutton, a snap, a buckle, and Velcro.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the connection comprises a flexible member.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the flexible member is configured to be plasticallydeformable within a predefined range.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a recess in the elongate visor member, wherein adepth of the recess is at least equal to a thickness of the lenses andwherein the recess is configured to receive the lenses in a direction ofthe thickness.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of lensescomprises a smart lens.
 17. An apparatus, comprising: at least one lens;an elongate visor member having a bottom surface; a support memberextending from the bottom surface of the elongate visor member to the atleast one lens; and a recess configured to receive the at least onelens, wherein the support member is configured to permit the at leastone lens to releasably lock into a plurality of designed positions withrespect to the support member.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein adepth of the recess is at least equal to a thickness of the lens andwherein the recess is configured to receive the lens in a direction ofthe thickness.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the support membercomprises a telescoping member.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, furthercomprising at least one restraint configured to restrain the lens in aposition coplanar with the elongate visor member.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the restraint comprises at least one of a magnet, afriction point, a lip, a button, a snap, a buckle, and Velcro.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one lens comprises a pair oflenses having a connection between the lenses, wherein the connectioncomprises a flexible member.
 23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein thesupport member is configured to attach to a top edge of the at least onelens or a top corner of the at least one lens.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the support member is configured to permit the atleast one lens to move from a position approximately coplanar with theelongate visor member to a position approximately orthogonal to theelongate visor member.
 25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein theelongate visor member comprises a brim of a cap.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one lens comprises a smart lens.
 27. Anapparatus, comprising: a pair of lenses having a connection between thelenses, said pair of lenses configured for coupling to a pair ofprovided support members configured respectively to extend from the pairof lenses and attach to a bottom surface of a provided elongate visormember. wherein the provided support members are configured to permitthe pair of lenses to move from a position approximately coplanar withthe elongate visor member to a position approximately orthogonal to theelongate visor member when attached to the elongate visor member andwherein the support members are configured to permit the pair of lensesto releasably lock into a plurality of designed positions with respectto the support members.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein one ormore of the pair of lenses further include a tab extending in a lateraldirection from a lateral edge of the one or more lenses.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 27, wherein the pair of lenses comprises a smartlens.